my friends says you don't need an intercooler with a supercharger - i see the vortech kit comes with it. is he sane?

 

From what I've read, and put very simply- anytime air is being compressed it heats up... the colder the air, the more power you get. Since the supercharger compresses the air it heats it up, the intercooler brings the air temp down creating more power. So you don't NEED an intercooler, but it will certainly help.

 

Vortech comes with an FMIC stock. For the Stillen, its an option depending on the stage. IIRC, Stillen Stage 1 does not have a FMIC. But Stage 2, 3, & 4 do. And for the ProCharger, I believe it also has a FMIC for its stock system.

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You don't need one, but in order to run any decent amount of boost you should use one. It's purpose is to reduce the intake air temp since compressing air heats it up. (Boyle's Law) And we all know that hot air = bad for performance.

 

+1000

 

LOL Yeah, what everyone said. I type too slowly!

 

does the kit help at all on the vortech? i guess my friends is saying you have no use for it on the vortech at only 8psi.

* edit further explanation - he says he thinks you're going to hurt yourself more putting on all the piping, intercooler and all.

 

Ask your friend to show you his proof, statistics, and facts. I'm sure he's just throwing theories out of nowhere.

They added a FMIC for a reason

.

 

OK - so your all pretty close on this one.

Vortech superchargers do not NEED IC's. The centrifugal charger by nature, provides a much cooler/dense air charge, and is actually far more efficient at doing so that most all others.

The inherent design allows for less detonation at sub 8PSI ratings. A charge cooler, which is actually what it is called, is really designed for higher compression engines (11:1 or higher) and higher boost levels (greater than 10.5lbs), higher than 9lbs. is the standard though.

A charge cooler not only condenses the air more, but forces a heat exchange with the aluminum fins as well. This cooler, more dense air, further allows for more oxygen in the combustion chamber, hence more power, and far less chance of detonation. More fuel can be put in as well and you get a much hotter and more robust explosion = More power.

The downside to a charge cooler - none really, other than you will see less boost with one, versus not having one. Longer pipes - less pressure. the goal is supercharging AND turbo's though, is more power with less boost. The colder air gives you more power as well, and it far outweighs the loss otherwise...not to mention the increased safety factor

I much rather like having more horsepower with less boost - less chance of blowing things up.

Rick

 

the less psi after the charge cooling in due, mostly, to boyles law. to a lesser extent flow resistance less than 1 psi in a good set up. more piping will slow boost ramp-up slightly. probably not enough to notice. do you have to have it . no. do you want it or need it. well depends. below 8 psi and you have 10to 1 compression four really pushing it even with good fuel and good heads. you could get way better power and saftey with water or alcohol injection, or a mix. personally i use both on the sti. and when i get around to the g i'll do the same.

 

So if you were running a supercharger with low boost on a DD, the intercooler is optional? I am thinking of a winter project of a supercharger. Mine's a DD. What would be the best SC for a DD?

 

One does the calculations to decide the cost vs gain!
If 1.0 psi ~~=6.8% density increase
If 11F ~~= to a 1% density decrease.

A 6.8 x11 or 75F is equal to [negates] 1.0 psi increase. Measure plenum air temperature vs ambient inlet air temperature. Don't forget to measure boost psi drop across intercooler.

Generally if one runs more than 6psi [60F -120F depending on model] an intercooler is helpful and cost effective.

Another factor is the premiun gasolines volitilaty index and knock index vs air temperature curve. In summer any psi will cause problems because the plenum air temp gets above 130F [the maximum which pump gasoline expects in an engine].

Chilled water intercooler from ac moded system can make great gains in summer [short time boost] just as spraying nitrous on intercooler can.

 

consider the size of the prochargers intercooler vs the greddy TT,

It's nice to have and does create more power-- and depending on your location (IE sofla) you may need one

 

also half of the tech is the look. most of the reaons V put a FMIC is for looks. who wants to spend that for power and not have the FMIC look to go with it? they "incorporated" the FMIC with it even though you dont need it 100%.